Reflections of 2017- Pressing On To The New

As I write this it is :​ 
A fresh new day....
A fresh new week.....
A  fresh new month.....
A fresh new year......January 1, 2018

I'm not a fan of resolutions because often they fade as quickly as we take them on BUT I DO LOVE a fresh start! My prayer for 2018 is simple..... That I am not in the same place in the next 12 months that I am right now, that my relationship with my Lord is stronger and more intimate, and that I am able impact the lives around me! ​

Just as many of you, I have spent the last  few days, maybe even weeks, reflecting over my 2017 year. Although there has only been spurts of blogging going on here at Unpolished Rubies  this year, much of my attention has been on my website and my newest calling to home school my two little people (that began the fall of 2016). This year has been filled with lots of change and growth with plenty of challenge and messiness trailing behind. But, there is no doubt that God has been in the midst of it all. 

As in the last several years of fresh starts, health also continues to be at the top of my list; but a healthy lifestyle also becomes more and more refined in its definition. God has revealed new perspectives and overall meaning to a  HEALTHY lifestyle. I'm sure you have seen this in many of my social media and my blog posts ,particularly one of my favorites Healthy Life With a Biblical Perspective. But much of this area remains a struggle for me despite all I've learned and gained in the fitness and wellness field. God has pulled me more in the direction of spiritual health this year. You see I have discovered that when I have spiritual growth in my life then I am able to deal with the mental struggles that come with doubts and fears in order to have the confidence and discipline needed to maintain the physical health goals I have.   

 I also continue to struggle with transition. And my transition periods are often messy. After completing our first year of homeschooling I knew changes were needed. Needless to say this new transition was no exception to my messiness trend. I spent much of my summer sorting through our homeschool transition period, mental mess and overwhelm, a gambit of emotions, sickness, and recovery.
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And I won't lie, I am finding myself right back in this place as we enter a fresh new year.

When I am overwhelmed, anxiety is not far behind. I have struggled with anxiety for much my life (though I would have never admitted it years ago) ,however triggers and periods of anxiety have increased over the last several years.
  I don't share this often because it is hard to be transparent about something in your life that is contrary to what you are trying so hard to promote, HEALTHY LIFE! Not only a healthy life, but a healthy life based on biblical truth! But the reality is, my friends, THE STRUGGLE IS VERY REAL".

 I also know that God is good! He is continuing to work in me and this is where I find wisdom and strength! 

(Full message found at THRIVE Christian Fellowship thriveKG.org)

Even as I reflect on the struggles of 2017 there have been so many blessings that have come out of them. 
But, this past Sunday's message really resonated with me when my pastor pointed out the things we should say goodbye to versus the things we should say hello to as we look to the new year. Saying Goodbye to: RELIGION, EMPTY PURSUITS, WEAKNESS, the YESTERDAYS, and GIVING UP. Saying hello to: JESUS, which means REAL MEANING, REAL STRENGTH, TOMORROWS, and FINISHING WELL. 

Further more the Apostle Paul addresses in his letter to the Philippians that he himself presses on to the ultimate goal which God has called him heavenward. 

I am so thankful for the Christ-centered influences that have spoken into my life over this  past year as I toiled in periods of transition and anxiety! These influences have allowed me to press on forward, taking form in various ways. From precious friends who help me process my overwhelmed thoughts,  to christian authors, bloggers and pod-casters who have incredible ministries reaching messy hearts such as my own, and a new church family consisting of old and new friends.
My goal is to never stop learning and growing. Sometimes this means multiple reminders of lessons God has already tried to teach me including the discovery in my blog (Refiner's Fire). 
​God continues to use the refining process in all of us as long as we are willing to become a reflection of Him. ​

 In the next few weeks I hope to unpack a few of these incredible things that influenced my growth in 2017, though I can not make any promises (just being REAL). In the mean time I'd love for you to subscribe to my blog if you haven't already. I have recently created some Free Downloadable Resources exclusively for my subscribers as well as a whole NEW page of resources and links to help you start off your new year well. So I'd love for you to head over to my RESOURCES page, subscribe, and grab some additional resources while your there. 

I hope you can reflect on your own 2017 and be thankful for all God has carried you through; the struggles and growth it has brought you, the challenges and the victory won! Most of all I pray you would focus on the blessings, saying goodbye to empty pursuits; forgetting what is behind and pressing forward to what lies ahead according to God's purpose for you! Remember you are loved and God has a plan for you in this new year!

Blessings Precious Rubies,
Melissa